Undesirable sensory properties of the dried pea (Pisum sativum). The rôle of saponins

The rôle of saponins in the undesirable sensory properties of the dried pea P sativum is reported. The sensory properties of isolated soyasaponin I are defined and described as bitter, astringent and metallic. The distribution of saponin in various air-classified pea flour fractions shows that the protein-rich fraction may contain sufficient saponin to cause undesirable tastes.     

Analytical determination of intrinsic permeability of synthetic nonwoven filter fabrics

In this paper an analytical method for determining the permeability of nonwoven filter fabrics is presented. The derived formula shows that the intrinsic permeability, fully characterizing the porous medium, depends on fabric porosity, n, fibre diameter, d, and a shape factor determined experimentally.     

Restoration challenges for urban rivers.

Urban sources account for significant quantities of important diffuse pollutants, and urban watercourses are typically badly polluted. As well as toxic metals, hydrocarbons including PAHs, and suspended matter, priority urban pollutants include faecal pathogens and nutrients. Can urban watercourses be restored by sufficient reductions in pollution loads? Case studies in the UK and Sweden provide insights and some grounds for optimism. A major trans-Atlantic review of the performance of best management practices (BMPs) is informing BMP planning. New approaches such as the maximisation of self-purification capacity in the receiving waters may also need to be developed, alongside BMPs at source. Other initiatives in Europe, USA and China, including collaborative projects, are trying to address the intractable issues such as persistent pollutants from transport and urban infrastructure. The challenge is daunting, but there are clear ways forward and future research needs are evident.     

Optical channel waveguides in silicon diffused from GeSi alloy

A technique for fabricating low-loss and polarisation-independent channel waveguides in silicon is reported. The waveguides are obtained by Ge-indiffusion using either a GeSi alloy or a system of alternating Ge and Si layers. Typical fabrication parameters for single-mode waveguides are given.<>     

Correlations between calving ease and calf survival

Multitrait restricted maximum likelihood methods were used for estimation of heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations between calving ease and calf survival. These analyses examined both direct and maternal effects. Genetic correlation for direct effects between calving ease and calf survival was approximately -.8 in both heifers and cows, indicating favorable associations, whereas phenotypic correlations were -.32 and -.22.